Following earlier warnings of a potential loss to rivals Mets, the New York Yankees are now prioritizing re-signing outfielder Cody Bellinger, viewing him as a versatile fit superior to pricier Kyle Tucker. Insiders say Bellinger is unlikely to join Queens, bolstered by Aaron Judge's strong advocacy after their successful 2025 partnership.
Updates in Cody Bellinger's free agency have shifted momentum toward the Yankees. After his standout 2025 season—29 HR, 98 RBIs, .272 AVG, 5.1 WAR over 656 PAs in outfield and first base—Bellinger addresses key needs with left field prospects Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones still developing.
The Yankees secured Trent Grisham on a $22M qualifying offer for center, potentially forming a strong trio with Bellinger and Judge in right. Negotiations with Scott Boras intensify amid a retracted Forbes report of Bellinger seeking 8 years/$400M, drawing sharp criticism. Ex-MLB exec David Samson blasted Boras as 'an industry joke' and deemed Bellinger worth far less than $50M/year.
Though 10 teams remain interested, New York Post's Jon Heyman reports Bellinger 'won’t skip to Queens.' Judge, MLB's 2025 batting leader (.331, 137 R, 124 BB), has lobbied executives to retain their dynamic duo. Denying waits on Tucker ($400M possible), Yankees eye a 7-year/$182M deal, fueled by Bellinger's Bronx enjoyment post-ALDS exit.
This optimism contrasts rivals' moves, positioning Yankees for AL East contention in 2026.